Legislative Update - Fighting for Workers

Dear Neighbors, 

We know that Minnesota is facing a dire housing shortage, and we know that it’s going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to build the homes our state needs. We’ve made significant investments in our efforts to build more homes, but a troubling report recently published by North Star Policy Action has shown that wage theft and exploitation remain persistent problems in the construction industry.

We can build the homes we need without taking advantage of workers, which is why I introduced legislation this week to bring accountability and transparency to housing developers, and with our legislation having already passed the Labor and Industry Committee, we’re hitting the ground running.

This momentum is thanks in large part to the construction workers that took the time out of their busy schedules to come down to the Capitol and ask for what they’re simply owed - fair wages for their work, and respect and safety on the job. 

You can read more about the legislation we’re working on here. 

101 Environmental Projects

Yesterday on the House Floor, we passed legislation I co-authored to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. 

Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship, and thanks to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, even though the vast majority of us won’t win big playing the lottery, the proceeds from it ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.

The 2024 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Bill includes funding for environmental education projects, climate change and natural resources research, clean water resources, invasive species response, conservation land acquisition, and habitat protection and restoration projects. A full list of projects can be found here.

The Debt Fairness Act

Another bill I’m co-authoring with my colleagues would take on the crippling medical debt far too many Minnesotans are struggling with. 

Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds, causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether. The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt, and help working and middle class families make ends meet.

We’re working with Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison to get this done, and you can read more about the Act below:

Stay Connected

As the legislative session begins to take shape, now is the best time to reach out with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas you have for our work in the Minnesota House. Always feel free to email me at rep.michael.howard@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at 651-296-7158.

You can also stay up to date by following my official Facebook page, subscribing to these regular email updates if you haven’t already, and checking my legislative webpage for the latest information from my office. 

In partnership, 

Michael Howard